Master of Social Change and Development

The University of Newcastle (UoN)

CRICOS Institution Code 00109J

Duration

72 weeks

Delivery

Face to Face, Online

Study Load

Full-time or Part-time

Intakes

—

Course Overview

About This Course

Make a significant contribution to social change locally and internationally The global environment is rapidly changing. This program will teach you how to undertake projects in collaboration with community members. You will graduate equipped with the skills to influence positive outcomes through theoretical and applied knowledge. You will make immediate impact through our hands-on learning opportunities.

This program provides an opportunity to create your own research work as part of your studies, and shape your career around an area of interest. This program is flexible with full-time and part-time study modes available. You can also study online allowing you to balance work, life and study. You will graduate highly employable within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms. This program is recognised nationally and internationally, allowing you to apply your knowledge globally within the professional environment. A Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development is also available to study and can be used as a pathway into the masters program. This program will enhance your existing knowledge and open up career opportunities in the global environment. You will study progressive courses that build on your prior learnings. In addition to the core courses, directed courses include, but are not limited to: Meet Victoria and find out why she chose to study a Master of Social Change and Development at the University of Newcastle.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

55 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

AUD 26,935 per year (indicative, 2026)

Duration

78 weeks

Intakes

Semester 1, Semester 2

Study Mode

Full-time or Part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

The Master of Social Change and Development is an 80 or 120 unit postgraduate qualification.
For admission into the 80-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; or
Bachelor Honours Degree; or
Bachelor Degree in a related field plus one year’s relevant work experience; or
Diploma or Advanced Diploma plus five years relevant work experience. For admission into the 120-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
Bachelor Degree in a related field; or
At least seven years’ relevant work experience. Relevant work experience includes administration, research, development planner, local officer, educator, or manager.
Work experience can be identified through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.
Related fields include sociology, geography, anthropology and development studies, agriculture, environmental studies, education, municipal community or social work/welfare, Indigenous Studies and economics.

Domestic students

UAC code: 929535 — Newcastle.

International students

English language proficiency (IELTS Academic or approved equivalent): overall minimum 6.5; no sub-test below 6.
CRICOS course code: 088342F.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

There is a continuously growing need for qualified professionals to undertake roles in the community development and policy analysis of funded development projects and aid organisations. At the completion of your Masters in Social Change and Development you will have the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge to take on these roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms. This program will open up new opportunities and see you possess the potential to embark on some of the following career pathways:

• policy analyst
• community and social developer
• advocacy and public policy coordinators
• overseas aid officer
• ministry of finance in a developing country
• stakeholder engagement and evaluation

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units25 units

ABOR6001

Aboriginal Studies: Knowledge and Blak Perspectives

SOCA6240

Project Design and Evaluation

ABOR6004

Aboriginal Communities: Advocacy, Development and Partnerships

SOCA6571

Development and Social Change

ARBE6618

Disaster Governance and International Frameworks

SOCA6640

Social Science Research Methods

EDUC6260

Education and International Development: Global Perspectives

SOCA6670

Social Change and Development Research Project

ENVS6500

Business and the Natural Environment

ENVS6510

Environmental Legislation and Policy

GSBS6007

Managing Human Resources in International Organisations

GSBS6380

Health Economics and Finance

GSBS6381

Health Plan Design and Payments: Theory and Practice

GSBS6383

Health Systems, Policy and Governance

GSBS6384

Strategic Health Leadership and Management

LAWS6020

Environmental Law

LAWS6038

Law and Economics of Climate Change

LAWS6104

Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement

SOCA6100

International Health: Cross-Cultural and Critical Social Science Perspectives

SOCA6190

Gender and Social Change

SOCA6310

Key Issues in Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice

SOCA6320

Shaping Organisations and Communities: Advocacy and Change

SOCA6330

Writing the Field of Equity

SOCA6590

Environmental Justice

SOCA6690

Rural Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture for Community Development

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Social Change and Development take to complete?

The Master of Social Change and Development at The University of Newcastle has a duration of 72 weeks.

What is the estimated total cost of the Master of Social Change and Development for international students?

The estimated total course cost is AU$60,822, which includes tuition fees of AU$60,253 and non-tuition fees of AU$569.

Where is the Master of Social Change and Development delivered?

The course is delivered at The University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus, located at University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308.

What field of education does the Master of Social Change and Development fall under?

The course falls under the broad field of Society and Culture (09), with a narrow field of Studies in Human Society (0903), at the Masters Degree (Coursework) level.

Is the Master of Social Change and Development eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

Based on the CRICOS criteria, extended Post-Study Work Rights require a course duration of 92 weeks or greater. Since this course is only 72 weeks, it does not meet that duration requirement and is therefore not eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$60,000 – $75,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$75,000 – $95,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$95,000 – $120,000/yr

Career Paths

Community Development Officer
Policy Analyst
Policy Officer
International Development Adviser
Program Coordinator (NGO)

Key Skills

Community engagement and participatory project design
Social policy analysis and development
Grant writing and funding proposal development
Cross-cultural communication and intercultural competency
Qualitative and quantitative social research methods

Full course overview

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